Try Them Today
Try Them Today
The term 'acupuncture' means to literally puncture with a needle. It is a common practice in traditional Chinese medicine that originated over two thousand years ago. Today, acupuncture is used for workout recovery and is practiced as an adjunct to traditional western medicine. It involves the insertion of hair-thin needles at exact points which target specific conditions.
Acupuncture is a time-tested practice used to treat myriad physical and mental conditions. An acupuncture session entails a skilled, trained, licensed acupuncturist penetrating the skin using hair-thin, solid, metallic needles. Once in place, these needles are activated through specific, gentle manipulations done with the practitioner's hands or through electrical stimulation.
Acupuncturists who follow traditional Chinese medicine believe there are more than 2,000 points throughout the human body that connect via pathways called meridians. These meridians create a flow of energy called qi (pronounced "chee") that moves through the body and is responsible for the individual's overall health. Any disruption of this qi energy flow can trigger diseases. Applying acupuncture to certain of these points improves the flow of the qi and thus improves overall health. This is the basic premise of how acupuncture works, according to its historical teachings.
Studies have shown acupuncture to be an effective intervention for a variety of conditions. But it isn't for everyone. If you think you can benefit from the services of an acupuncturist, discuss your plans with your primary medical provider before making your final decision.
Acupuncture is predicated on the belief that stimulating the body's meridians at specific points can bring the body into balance and harmony. If you prefer a less esoteric approach, there are scientifically-based benefits to be had through acupuncture:
One use for acupuncture that's growing in popularity is for post-workout recovery.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (Jan. 2013) suggested acupuncture applied between scheduled exercise sessions may enhance performance and increase energy. Likewise, post-workout recovery time from muscle stiffness, soreness, and joint pain may improve.
Specific benefits of post-workout acupuncture may include:
Acupuncture can be a useful adjunct to treating various injuries, both those caused by traumatic events and some common overuse injuries that tend to plague athletes.
As with any treatment, whether it's traditional, alternative, or something in between, there is always some degree of risk involved. Acupuncture is no different. The risks associated with acupuncture tend toward the mild side but can become more severe in some cases.
Side effects most commonly reported to result from acupuncture treatments include:
To reduce the risk of possible side effects from an acupuncture treatment, make certain the acupuncturist administering your treatment is a licensed and properly trained practitioner who uses sterile techniques and disposable needles.
A report published in Scientific Reports (June 13, 2017) noted that serious complications from acupuncture were rare but could occur. Potential serious complications include:
There remains skepticism in various circles regarding the existence of meridian energy connections within the human body and whether or not acupuncture actually works in concert with these energy pathways to keep the body in balance. Putting that aspect aside, research suggests acupuncture can be used as an effective, safe method of treating a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including injuries, acute and chronic pain, and orthopedic conditions.
Here's a quick rundown of frequently sighted reasons people in general, and athletes in particular, are making use of acupuncture to improve their health and boost their recovery capabilities.
Acupuncture needles stimulate acupuncture points along the central nervous system that trigger the body to release natural painkillers, such as endorphins. Because the treatment can be targeted directly at the source, the needles can help decrease inflammation, reduce swelling, and lower heat by drawing adenosine, a natural tissue repair stimulant, to the site of the pain.
More deep and restful sleep allows for greater muscle relaxation and regeneration and boosts energy levels. Acupuncture helps regulate cortisol and serotonin, natural regulators of quality sleep.
Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins and balance cortisol levels in the body. This helps ease stress and decreases anxiety.
Regular acupuncture treatments between workout sessions can help optimize the body's natural healing capabilities. It can increase blood flow to an injured site, relax tight muscles, and reduce muscle soreness and fatigue. These effects can help speed up recovery times after extensive workouts.
Acupuncture can be a welcome change that helps take your active lifestyle to the next level. It can help increase your awareness of the state of your body without worry about addictive or non-natural substances. If you think acupuncture may be right for you, do your research, talk to your doctor, and get moving on your own road to improved health.